The Department of Social Science organized the first Asian Studies study tour to Kunisaki in Japan from 29 May to 4 June 2017. With the support of a local NGO – Ippan-shadan-hojin Chiki Mirai Keikaku – the study tour included sightseeing of major tourist attractions particularly agricultural heritage sites and meeting local stakeholders in Kunisaki such as local social entrepreneurs, religious leaders, and government officials to understand more about Japan’s rural development. Fortunately, the group had the chance to talk with City Mayor Akifumi MIKAWA and learn how to attract young adults from urban areas to contribute to rural economy.
In addition, students resided in a local Buddhist temple to experience Japanese local culture. They also had an opportunity to participate in social service activities with local high school and university students. In the concluding session, students visited the “Kunisaki City Research Centre for World Agricultural Heritage” and shared what they learnt and experienced in the study tour. They expressed that Japan was not simply a place for shopping and fun but also full of cultural traditions.
社會科學系於2017年5月29日至6月4日舉辦了首個亞洲研究遊學團，帶領9位同學前往日本国東市考察。在當地非牟利機構「地域未來計劃」的支持下，是次遊學團涵蓋多項活動，包括以考察農業文化遺產為主的觀光行程，以及拜訪當地的社會企業家﹑宗教領袖及政府官員，使參加者得以全面了解日本農業的發展。參加者更有幸與国東市市長三河明史先生會面座談，從中學習如何吸引更多城市的年青人為農業經濟作出貢獻。
行程中，參加者居於當地一座佛教寺廟中，充分體驗日本在地文化。同學們亦有機會與當地的高中生和大學生共同參與社會服務的活動。透過拜訪「国東市世界農業遺產研究所」，參加者總結並分享行程中的所見所聞。他們紛紛認同，日本不只是旅遊和玩樂的目的地，更是個充滿文化傳統的地方。
